Suspect in THP-involved shooting captured in Kentucky

PRINCETON, Ky. (WKRN) — One of the suspects wanted for his connection to a shooting that left a Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) trooper injured has been captured in Kentucky, officials said.

On Sunday, July 21, THP announced that 29-year-old Braze Rucker — who was added to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Most Wanted list — had been captured by Kentucky State Police (KSP) in Princeton, Kentucky.

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Rucker was wanted for his connection to a shooting on I-40 that left Trooper Adam Cothron injured during a traffic stop in Putnam County near the Burgess Fall exit on Friday, July 19.

According to THP, Trooper Cothron pulled over a white Kia Forte for a traffic violation and was shot during the interaction. Rucker, who was identified as a passenger in the vehicle, and the unidentified driver, then fled on Highway 109 near Gallatin.

Officials alerted the public to the incident shortly after, issuing a Blue Alert and describing Rucker as an “armed and dangerous individual.”

On Saturday, THP announced that there was reward of up to $10,000 being offered for any information that could lead to Rucker’s arrest.

THP released a video Saturday night to discuss the shooting and the search for Rucker, during which time Col. Matt Perry said, “Should Mr. Rucker see this, I strongly encourage you to turn yourself in. Law enforcement across Tennessee and the country are looking for you.”

Just before 3:30 a.m., on Sunday, July 21, authorities reported KSP troopers arrested Rucker in Princeton, Kentucky. Troopers used Cothron’s handcuffs to place him into custody, officials said.

“The search for Braze Rucker is over. Today, troopers with Kentucky State Police used THP Trooper Adam Cothron’s handcuffs to take Rucker into custody in Princeton KY. Thankful to KSP, TBI, and all law enforcement agencies in Tennessee and to the citizens of Tennessee for your support,” said THP.

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Trooper Cothron was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center Friday night and is reported to be in stable condition.

THP released a video Sunday morning, which showed KSP and THP troopers taking Rucker to the Hopkinsville Police Department.

According to TBI, efforts remain underway to identify the second individual who was in the vehicle.

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This is a developing story . WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

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